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I am looking for a set of genestealers but I would like to know what subtle differences there are between editions such as level of detail, ease of assembly, etc. I am interested in the plastic version. Before I buy a set, can anyone fill me in on what to look for and what is the most desirable type/edition ?

Thanks

To my knowledge there have only been two versions. The changeover happened around the release of the most recent version of their Codex. The old one suuuuuck IMO. They were Rogue Trader era sculpts and they just kept them and their odd sprue layout for nearly 20 years.

The new ones are better in every way: detail, options, overall look.

Agreed - the old ones are pretty crap compared to the current ones. The only real reason to go for the old ones is if you're poor - you may be able to get them at a bargain price.

Heh, I actually prefer the old ones... The newer version is too gangly.

...what subtle differences there are between editions such as level of detail, ease of assembly, etc.

The newer ones have a few more pieces, but neither version is particularly difficult to assemble.

The newer ones are slightly more detailed, and the separate heads and two-piece arms (the older ones had both arms on each side joined together on a single piece) allow a little more posability, although they're really all variations on the standard 'give us a hug, sweetie...' pose.

The differences are not subtle. The old models are quite static in their pose (I still love them though). The heads are rounder with less obvious jaw structure. The rending claws look a bit out of place and hooked, whereas the newer miniatures have rending claws that are more in line with the rest of the Tyranid model collection. If I had to choose, I would snaffle some genestealers from the Space Hulk box set. They have the new look +100% awesome.

Agreed the space hulk ones are almost definitely the best

The Space Hulk ones are great models, but some are a little awkward to use in 40K (or even in Space Hulk ) due their odd poses - unless you convert them.

 insaniak wrote:
Heh, I actually prefer the old ones... The newer version is too gangly.

...what subtle differences there are between editions such as level of detail, ease of assembly, etc.

The newer ones have a few more pieces, but neither version is particularly difficult to assemble.

The newer ones are slightly more detailed, and the separate heads and two-piece arms (the older ones had both arms on each side joined together on a single piece) allow a little more posability, although they're really all variations on the standard 'give us a hug, sweetie...' pose.

Old ones all the way too. Nothing to to with the fact I picked up 60 of them when I found 3 copies of Space Hulk in Italian for £10 each in The Works when I was younger...

There was also an earlier version in metal (from the 1991 catalogue)

1.) There are old metal ones, released as purestrain for the Genestealer Cult.
2.) There are the old monopose plastic ones, first released with the old Space Hulk.
3.) There are the current plastic ones, released with 4th edition Codex. More poses, more different head and arm options. Also metal Broodlord.
4.) There are the ones in the limited new Space Hulk (including plastic Broodlord), good looking, but rare and sculpted base sometimes a challenge for fitting on standard 25mm bases.

There were also the ones from the space crusade box which are a very slight variation on the old space hulk ones.

Old School FTW!






These have "1994" on the sprues!

There's also the really old/original metal ones that came out with the first terminators. The back of the head (from brow ridges to the back of the skull) was "ribbed" in the same way that the back sections are on the various newer sculpts.

I mix and match original plastic, space crusade, 4th edition snap-fit plastic and the current multi-part multi-pose. I use the old ones and the new ones to keep track of different broods and add all the different heads, arms and carapace plates for Ymgarls.

 insaniak wrote:
Heh, I actually prefer the old ones... The newer version is too gangly.

This so much. I've only bought 30 of the old ones (down from 70 when my stuff got stolen) but I like them so much better.

rigeld2 wrote:

 insaniak wrote:
Heh, I actually prefer the old ones... The newer version is too gangly.

This so much. I've only bought 30 of the old ones (down from 70 when my stuff got stolen) but I like them so much better.

Same here. I have 60.

I used old ones for basic stealers and the newer ones for ymgarls, though had to hunt around to get enough feeder heads. Means you have plenty of variation if you run both types. Old ones were pretty bulletproof to be honest and survived some pretty rough treatment.

I say "used" as the stealers have all been boxed up since 6th started. Shame really.